Yesterday (Sunday 3 June), a flotilla of a thousand boats of all shapes and sizes celebrated Queen Elizabeth on the waters of the Thames.

It was a pageant and an endless procession, but above all a tribute from the entire Commonwealth (even the Maoris took part, with traditional costumes and canoes) to their Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, a week of events celebrating 60 years of Elizabeth II’s reign.

Despite the unforgiving weather – in true British style, it was cold and rainy – the British people lined the banks of the Thames and celebrated Queen Elizabeth with songs and shouts of hurray. She was accompanied by the whole Royal Family: Charles, Camilla and William – as well as the beautiful, smiling Kate Middleton, in a red Alexander McQueen dress – took part in an historic event for the whole United Kingdom.

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant left Chelsea Pier and escorted the Royal Barge (the Queen’s boat) along the Thames as far as Tower Bridge.